The reinforced double doors swung open with violent force, slamming against the magnetic stops on the wall.
Admiral Vance: STAND DOWN!
Commander Briggs recoiled as if burned, releasing his grip on Maya's collar so fast that she dropped back onto the polished floor.
Commander Briggs: Admiral Vance! Sir, thank God you are here!
Four-Star Admiral Vance strode into the room, his dark blue dress uniform immaculately pressed, his face carved from angry granite. His heavy combat-soled shoes pounded against the marble.
Admiral Vance: What in God's name is happening in this foyer, Commander?
Commander Briggs: Admiral, I caught Lieutenant Lin red-handed! She breached the tactical records vault, downloaded classified surveillance, and assaulted an officer when confronted!
Maya looked up, her vision blurred by tears and the throb in her cheek. She tried to sit up, but her ribs ached from the collision with the console.
Maya: Admiral... sir, please...
Commander Briggs: Silence, Lieutenant! You do not speak directly to the Admiral without permission!
Admiral Vance didn't look at Briggs. He walked straight past the trembling commander and dropped onto one knee in front of Maya.
Admiral Vance: Easy, Lieutenant. Do not try to move too quickly. Are you injured?
Maya: Just bruised, sir. The files... the sonar files on the floor...
Admiral Vance placed a broad, steady hand on her shoulder, gently helping her lift her torso away from the cold marble.
Admiral Vance: Take a deep breath, Lieutenant Lin. You're safe.
Commander Briggs stepped forward, waving his hands nervously as sweat beaded along his receding hairline.
Commander Briggs: Sir, with all due respect, she is a security risk! She was trying to smuggle operational records out of this facility! I have already called the guards to take her into custody!
Admiral Vance stood up slowly. Standing over six feet tall, his shadow completely swallowed the frantic commander.
Admiral Vance: Did you call the guards, Commander? Did you really?
Commander Briggs: Yes, sir! To protect the integrity of this base!
Admiral Vance: SHE JUST RECOVERED THE SABOTAGE DEVICE THAT SAVED OUR ENTIRE FLEET!
The roar echoed off the bare white walls with enough force to rattle the glass panels of the consoles. Briggs froze, the color draining instantly from his face.
Commander Briggs: What... what did you say, sir?
Admiral Vance: You heard me clearly, Briggs. The diver team she deployed on her own authority just surfaced.
Maya: Chief Miller... did he find it?
Admiral Vance: He found it, Lieutenant. Exactly where your acoustic triangulation said it would be.
Briggs began to shake, his fingers nervously fidgeting with his brass belt buckle.
Commander Briggs: Admiral, there must be a misunderstanding! I was following standard protocols for sensor blackouts...
Admiral Vance: There is no misunderstanding, Commander. Only treason.
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